Postgraduate Studies Research Articles

Effectiveness of the application of a digitalized repository on the quality of graduate and post-graduate education in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation

BackgroundDuring last ten years, we have developed a digital library with educational materials in Physical medicine and rehabilitation.ObjectivesThe objective of current article is the preparation of an electronic library with educational materials in the area of physical medicine, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and the comparative evaluation of the impact of this repository on the quality of education of students and trainees in the field.MethodologyThe electronic library includes e-books on different topics, elements of the specialty “Physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM)” or Physiatry – with theoretical data, practical issues and case reports with videos of real patients. From the field of basic physiatry we included: books on kinesiological and pathokinesiological analysis, functional evaluation; physiotherapy (active exercises, soft-tissue techniques), ergotherapy (activities), balneotherapy (mineral baths and peloids, underwater gymnastics), manual therapy (tractions, mobilizations, manipulations), preformed physical factors (electric currents, magnetic field, ultrasound, light, laser, etc). In special physiatry we prepared manuals on: neurological and neurosurgical rehabilitation, orthopedic and traumatologic rehabilitation, rheumatologic rehabilitation, cardiac and cardiosurgical rehabilitation, etc. The digital library has been applied to educate 1,186 learners (graduate and post-graduate studies): students in Bachelor’s degree (Physiotherapy, Nursing, Midwifery, Medical assistants) and in Master’s degree (Physiotherapy, Medical rehabilitation and balneology), medical doctors—residents in Physical and Rehabilitation medicine (PRM), participants in long-life learning courses (physiatrists, physiotherapists and nurses). At the end of every educational course, we collected data from the practical and theoretical exams (investigation period—from April 2020 to October 2024). Additionally, we evaluated learners’ opinion using anonymous questionnaires on the usefulness of the electronic library.ResultsComparative analysis of the results revealed significant improvement in theoretical knowledge and practical skills of students and trainees, as evidenced by online assessments, and face-to-face theoretical and practical exams. The majority of learners consider the electronic repository useful.Conclusion and recommendationsThe authors consider this electronic library (with books, manuals, video-presentations and case studies) a valuable resource in both graduate and post-graduate education within the rehabilitation field. We recommend the application of electronic repositories in the process of education of the students and trainees.

Mad Studies, Inclusive Education and Higher Education Participation – Critiquing Fitness to Teach

This article focuses on a critique of the UK’s policy directive related to fitness to teach particularly in relation to the experiences of disabled people attending teacher education. It utilises Mad Studies to raise a different set of questions in relation to teacher education and higher education participation. As ‘madness’ is ‘beginning to be reclaimed by the user/survivor movement’ (Spandler et al., 2015, p.6), and in conjunction with the struggle for an inclusive higher education system, this article drawing upon experiential knowledge, explores issues of access to support, disclosure, and recounts the coercive power relations that position mad students – students experiencing distress and anxiety aspiring to be teachers in disadvantaged and marginal spaces. It recognises that there are tensions in using various terminological descriptors that shape and reshape discourses of power/knowledge. Given the increasing number of students being and becoming identified as having mental health difficulties (an official term in the higher education lexicon of name-calling) the university is coming under increasing scrutiny. Policy directives such as ‘fit to study’, and ‘fitness to teach’ pose specific barriers and challenges. Alternatively, the disciplinary fields of Mad Studies, (Critical) Disability Studies, and Inclusive Education, offer different insights and questions about how institutions can disrupt traditional ableist/disablist structures of normalcy and systems of discrimination. Rather than typical ‘curative’ policy directives related to ‘self-help’, ‘self-improvement’, ‘self-confidence’, ‘self-efficacy’ and notions of ‘well-being’, this article argues that such discovery/recovery policies are inherently discriminatory and deficient. This article builds upon the findings from a postgraduate research study which explored the experiences of Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) trainee students in terms of their interactions with different staff whilst on school placements (Pattinson, 2021). This previous small-scale study specifically utilised the use of questionnaires and interviews with university tutors, school teachers and students situated within the Southwest of England. Alongside drawing upon the lived experiences of trainee students and university teachers, it includes a personal narrative of one of the authors, Sarah, who shares her own previous teacher training experiences which are situated alongside emerging concerns with ableist/disablist policy directives. Within this context, this article examines these interactions in context of the so-called ‘fitness to teach’ policy, a current disciplinary requirement under legislative duties.

Развитие приоритетного профиля подготовки «Деятельность кадровых подразделений и подразделений по работе с личным составом органов внутренних дел»

Introduction. The article describes the aspects aimed at the development of the leading field of study “Activities of the Personnel and Personnel Management Department of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia”. The authors give historical information about the development of departmental education of law enforcement bodies and the formation of leading fields of study among educational institutions of the Ministry of the Interior as well as analyse scientific articles describing the issue. According to the Federal Order of the RF Ministry of the Interior No. 820 of 29 August 2012 “On fields of study of educational establishments of the RF Ministry of the Interior”, Saint Petersburg University of the Ministry of the Interior of Russia (the MIA of Russia) is assigned the functions of the training and research centre, which aims to train employees for personnel departments; provide methodological assistance to the agencies, organisations, departments of the MIA of Russia to solve the identified problems; provide reference materials and scientific support of official activities. The article reviews the results of the university’s work in implementing the leading field of study between 2021 and 2024. The subject of the analysis is the university’s main professional educational programmes, programmes of additional professional education, programmes of training of scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel at postgraduate studies; methodological activities carried out for the benefit of personnel management departments of law enforcement agencies and organisations; scientific and methodological events to in the framework of the leading field of study. The result of the analysis is the authors’ conclusions about the factors limiting the development of the university’s leading field of study and the necessity to transform the organisational structure that ensures its implementation. The aim is to find ways to improve the development of the leading field of study “Activities of the Personnel and Personnel Management Department of law enforcement agencies”. Methods. The study used the following methods: formal logic, the analysis of normative legal acts, systematic, historical, statistical analysis. Results. We believe that the experience in the implementation of the leading field of study “Activities of the Personnel and Personnel Management Department of law enforcement agencies” and the ontradictions revealed will determine the future potential for growth of the leading field of study.

History of the Foundation and Development of the Faculty of Sociology at Russian State University for the Humanities (Dedicated to the Anniversary of Zhan T. Toshchenko)

The article is devoted to the 90th anniversary of the Corresponding Member of the RAS, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor ZhanT.Toshchenko. The authors highlight his efforts for the creation and development of the Faculty of Sociology at Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH). Historically, the process of forming the Faculty included both the foundation of the university-wide Department of Sociology and the work of the Division of Sociology as part of the Faculty of Philosophy. To date, the Faculty of Sociology has the following departments: Department of Theory and History of Sociology (profile “Digital Sociology and Social Diagnostics” for undergraduate students and “Digital Sociology and Social Analytics” for master’s students), Department of Applied Sociology (profile “Sociology of Marketing” for undergraduate students), Department of Political Sociology and Social Technologies (profile “Social, Political and Management Technologies” for undergraduate students). Graduates of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs can improve their qualifications within the framework of postgraduate studies in order to defend their candidate’s theses in sociology in the Dissertation Council 24.2.366.04. In terms of continuing their professional development, there is an opportunity to defend a doctoral dissertation or join the ranks of the faculty. RSUH has developed its own model of sociological education. This allows to prepare a universal professional sociologist capable of not only independent judgments and critical thinking, but also of “mastering the craft” of organizing and conducting sociological research. Graduates of the Faculty are successfully employed both in research institutes and in sociological centers that are engaged in applied work. The article shows the process of formation of ZhanT.Toshchenko’s school of thought and reveals the peculiarities of the organization of professional educational and academic activities at the Faculty. The concept of the Faculty of Sociology is based on the paradigm of the sociology of life developed by ZhanT.Toshchenko. It includes a combination of theory and empiricism in teaching disciplines, as well as taking into account the real needs of the labor market; a special personnel selection to hire employees who have a knack for both research and educational work. The success in the development of the Faculty of Sociology at RSUH is a worthy result of the long-term fruitful activities of ZhanT.Toshchenko and the research and educational team that he have built up among like-minded people.

Numbers of geographers in Scottish education

ABSTRACT There has been long-lasting concern that geography in Scottish education was in poor health, but it is actually now experiencing a Scottish rejuvenation. To gain a comprehensive picture of geographers in Scottish education, the numbers were gathered for those studying geography at various levels in Scottish schools and universities, those training to teach geography in Scotland, and those employed to teach geography in Scottish state schools between 2016 and 2023. Geographical education in Scotland is now booming. The numbers of geographers in Scotland are growing at school, increasingly at each successive level of public examinations, and in both undergraduate and postgraduate university study. Despite this scenario, the targets for trainee geography teachers have increased slowly, while PGDE intake figures for geography show a rapidly growing shortfall and the drop-out rate has further undermined the subject’s specialist teacher pool. The numbers of geography teachers employed in state schools in Scotland has remained virtually static while the number of geography teachers who are not subject specialists remains a concern. This lack of positive intergenerational reinforcement to inspire geographers throughout the education system may mean that the current geographer boom in Scotland will be short-lived. Positive developments are considered that could place geography more centrally in educational thinking and planning.

PLS-SEM MULTI GROUP ANALYSIS: UNCOVERING THE INTERPLAY OF FACTORS AFFECTING ACADEMIC WRITING SELF-EFFICACY OF EFL POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

This cross-sectional study investigates the factors influencing writing self-efficacy among EFL postgraduate students in Indonesia. It employs a quantitative analysis facilitated through partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The study engaged 150 master’s and doctoral EFL students as participants, examining the variables of writing enjoyment, research literacy, and teacher clarity and teacher immediacy in feedback, in relation to writing self-efficacy. The findings revealed that research literacy significantly improves writing self-efficacy, particularly among doctoral students. This demonstrates the crucial role of research literacy in building students’ confidence in their writing abilities. Furthermore, writing enjoyment was found to be a key factor in enhancing writing self-efficacy, especially for master’s students. This pinpoints the necessity to nurture joy in the writing process. Teacher clarity was found to be essential for enhancing research literacy, whereas teacher immediacy had a lesser impact. This suggests a reduced reliance on teacher guidance during postgraduate studies. The study highlights the critical roles of research literacy and enjoyment in developing writing self-efficacy and illuminates the nuanced role of pedagogical strategies. These insights are valuable for educational institutions and policy-makers in strengthening the EFL postgraduate learning environment. The differences observed between master’s and doctoral students call for further research to develop educational practices tailored to the different needs of these academic stages.

The efficiency of using some integrated control methods in controlling the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococ-cidae)

This study evaluated the efficiency of some integrated pest control methods to control the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley under laboratory conditions. It was done by testing the efficiency of some methods, such as insecticides Conan and Actrara, entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Nano Calcium silicate, and mineral oil. This experiment was carried out in the insect laboratory for postgraduate studies at the College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala. The results prove that insecticides Conan and Actara significantly affect both nymphs and adults, where the average percentage of nymphs mortality within 24 hours of treatment was 100%. The concentrations of the Conan pesticide were (300 - 400 - 500 mg/L) Whereas the Actara pesticide was in concentrations (0.20 – 0.25 – 0.30 ml/L) respectively. Likewise, the rate of mortality of adults within 24 hours of treatment with Actara and its three concentrations used (0.20 - 0.25 - 0.30 ml/L) and Conan with three concentrations as well (300 - 400 - 500 mg/L) reached 100%. Based on the study's results, both insecticides, Conan and Actara, can be used due to their superiority in mortality rates. In contrast, the mortality rate was 100% in both nymphs and adults within 24 hours of treatment compared to the other treatments used.

Students Interest in Research and Tendency to Acquire Research Skills among Postgraduate Students with Learning Disabilities (LD) in Two Public Universities of Cross River State, Nigeria: Implications for Psychology

Background: Learning disability is a permanent condition caused by abnormalities in the growth and development of the human brain, which has enormous implications for an individual's general performance. Aim: This study investigated how students’ interest in research predicted the tendency to acquire research skills among postgraduate students with Learning Disabilities (LD) in two Public Universities of Cross River State, Nigeria: Implications for Psychology. One objective, one purpose, and one statement of hypothesis were formulated. A literature review was carried out. Method: The survey research design was utilized. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 49 respondents were sampled. A 16-item four-point modified Likert scale questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The face and content validity of the instrument were established. The reliability estimates are 0.84 using the Cronbach Alpha method. A simple linear regression statistical tool was used to test the hypothesis. The hypothesis was tested at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: The results revealed that interest significantly predicts postgraduate students with learning disabilities' tendency to acquire research skills. Hence, the more interested students with learning disabilities are in research, the more likely they are to develop strong research skills. Research skills are crucial for postgraduate studies, particularly for thesis writing, dissertation projects, and contributing to academic knowledge. By fostering research interest, universities can enhance the overall academic success of their postgraduate students. Conclusion: Interest in research significantly predicts postgraduate students' tendency to acquire research skills in the research area. Given the significant role of knowledge in humanity, acquiring research skills is integral to man. Graduate schools should have internal seminars and workshops, making it mandatory for students to present standard papers.

The Impact of Improving Medical Education, Training, and Postgraduate Study on Health Services: The Libyan Prospective

The Impact of Improving Medical Education, Training, and Postgraduate Study on Health Services: The Libyan Prospective

Knowledge and utilization of manual therapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis by physical therapists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe knowledge and utilization of manual therapy in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) may help explain the effective utilization of manual therapy for managing knee OA. Little is known about the knowledge and utilization of manual therapy in the management of knee OA by physical therapists (PTs) in Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and utilization of manual therapy by PTs in Saudi Arabia via a survey method.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used. PTs working in various hospitals in Saudi Arabia participated. A 29-item questionnaire was developed based on previous studies. One hundred ninety-seven participants returned the completed questionnaire (response rate, 78.8%). Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize and present the study participants’ characteristics and responses.ResultsApproximately one-third (35.2%) of the participants did not receive any formal manual therapy training, whereas the others received formal manual therapy training in undergraduate (23.8%) or postgraduate (40.9%) studies. Only approximately one-third of the participants (29.9%) were qualified as certified manual therapy practitioners. Most participants (57%) reported using manual therapy according to the patient’s condition. Most of the participants cited several treatment goals for manual therapy, including pain reduction (84.8%), improved range of motion (77.2%), increased mobility (58.2%), and improved function (55.4%).ConclusionsPTs in Saudi Arabia showed a positive attitude toward using manual therapy for treating knee OA. However, they suggested combining exercise and manual therapy as the best treatment option for knee OA.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Mental health professionals’ beliefs and attitudes towards compulsory admission in Athens: a token of social stigma or good faith in psychiatry?—a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMental health professionals’ (MHPs) attitudes towards involuntary admissions have not received adequate attention in efforts to curb their rates. Thus, the present study set out to (i) explore MHP attitudes regarding involuntary hospitalisation, (ii) describe their perceived dangerousness of people with severe mental illness (SMI) and their trust in psychiatry, (iii) identify the predictors of attitudes towards compulsory admissions and (iv) gauge the contribution of perceived dangerousness versus trust in psychiatry to explaining them.MethodsA random sample of 300 mental health professionals working in public mental health services located in the Northern part of Athens and in the two psychiatric hospitals of Attica participated in the study. Respondents had to complete a self-reported instrument garnering information about participants’ attitudes towards involuntary hospitalisation (original scale), the perceived dangerousness of people with SMI (Perceived Dangerousness Scale) and their trust in psychiatry (based on the Attitudes to Mental Illness scale) as well as various socio-demographic and work-related variables.ResultsRespondents largely accepted involuntary hospitalisations, considering them to be beneficial (72.96%) and disagreeing with the view that they adversely influence the course of illness (54.85%). Nonetheless, they believe that people with SMI should be treated in the community (89.93%), that compulsory admission should be the last therapeutic resort (84.01%) and that people with SMI should not be placed in psychiatric hospitals against their will in order to be under surveillance (90.64%). However, they acknowledge that involuntary admission is often the only treatment options(61.19%). Concomitantly, they report moderate levels of perceived dangerousness and high levels of trust in psychiatry. Trust in psychiatry had the strongest positive association with acceptance of involuntary hospitalisation among mental health professionals whereas postgraduate studies and working in outpatient settings were linked to less favourable attitudes. Interestingly, perceived dangerousness did not yield an independent effect; rather, it weakened the association between trust in psychiatry and acceptance of involuntary admissions.ConclusionsMental health professionals hold complex attitudes towards involuntary hospitalisation, which are largely explained by their trust in psychiatry. Efforts to reduce the rates of involuntary admissions should address both them and their determinants.

Preparation of the Future Elites of the Communist Party in the Period of Communism in Slovakia

The research is focused on organization and content of education of the future party elites in Slovakia during the period of communism. In 1953, a special Party College of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (renamed to the Political Institute of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1965, further on Political Institute of the CC CPC) was created in Czechoslovakia for the purpose of their training. It was directly managed by the Central Committee. After the suppression of the Prague Spring and the onset of normalization (the beginning of the 1970s), a new faculty called the Faculty of the Political Institute of the CC CPC was established in Bratislava and it began its activities in 1972. The research is based on the study of archival sources of relevant funds of the Slovak National Archive in Bratislava. The research shows that the faculty 1) provided a relatively wide spectrum of graduate and postgraduate education in both full-time and part-time form, 2) also provided higher forms of education (rigorous examination procedures and scientific postgraduate studies), 3) had a well-thought-out and well-organized comprehensive system of education for the future elites of the ruling Communist Party, including spending their leisure time. The faculty disappeared after the fall of communism in 1990.

Bridging the Gap between Teaching and Research: A Case Study of Chilean EFL University Teachers’ Perceptions

ABSTRACT In today’s higher education, universities demand teachers active in research, aligning with their shift toward research-oriented interests. However, academics working at a university with an educational background might encounter obstacles when engaging in research due to the reported tension between teaching and research. This study presents a case study conducted in a university recently transitioning toward a research-oriented focus, aiming to attain certification as a research institution within the next five years. We conducted an initial survey with the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers of the English Institute of the university to explore their perceptions and involvement in research. Additionally, we used the survey results to identify five teachers in an initial stage as researchers. We conducted in-depth interviews based on Activity Theory with them to understand their experience negotiating their identities as teachers and researchers. Our findings suggest that although teachers value research, they face significant obstacles, such as time constraints and lack of preparation. The interviewed teachers exhibit active engagement, possibly due to factors like mentoring during their postgraduate studies and participation in a research-fostering community of practice within the institution; however, these factors are not enough for them to succeed in the research endeavor.

Anwar Fazal-A Breastfeeding Advocate Extraordinaire.

Anwar Fazal has been a driving force in the founding of several civil society organizations in the areas of health, human rights, environment, and peace, that have been at the forefront of activism locally, nationally, and globally. In this interview, he shares his journey of 6 decades, involving a multiverse of public interest issues, which led him into the breastfeeding movement. It began with the setting up of the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), a pioneering action that triggered the formation of Health Action International (HAI), Pesticide Action Network (PAN), and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). Each of these resulted in several unique frameworks and codes relating to the marketing of infant foods, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. They also led to the formation of World Breastfeeding Week, now being celebrated globally. Anwar studied Economics at the University of Malaya and did his postgraduate studies in Education. Anwar has served as a visiting professor at the University of Science Malaysia and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He is the recipient of the Right Livelihood Award, popularly known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize," for his work on breastfeeding and infant nutrition and other health, environmental, and consumer issues. La Leche League International (LLLI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have honored him with the International Health Award and the Millennium Development Goals Award. He has written extensively on breastfeeding. He is currently Chairperson Emeritus of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and continues to speak out actively on protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.

Памяти Сергея Павловича Губина

Information is presented about the deceased Sergey Pavlovich Gubin, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor, head of the Laboratory of Nanomaterial Chemistry at the N.S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, laureat of the USSR State Prize, Honored Scientist of Russia, full member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, a well-known specialist in the fields of solid state chemistry, nanosystems and nanotechnology. The main biographical data are given: studies at the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (Faculty of Chemistry), postgraduate studies and work at INEOS AN USSR, defense of PhD and doctoral (chemical sciences) dissertations, authorship of more than 600 scientific papers in scientific journals, 5 books and about 40 patents, graduation of 6 doctors and more than 30 candidates of sciences, participation in Russian and international conferences and seminars, editorship in scientific journals. Founding and directorship at the Krasnoyarsk Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the USSR Academy of Sciences, directorship at the Novosibirsk Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the USSR Academy of Sciences (Siberian Branch). Work at the N.S. Kurnakov IGIC of RAS, creation and management of the country's first laboratory of nanomaterials chemistry, creation and development of graphenics in the country, professorship at M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University and at the Faculty of Physics of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, membership in various Russian and international scientific societies and expert councils.

Памяти Александра Степановича Бугаёва

Information is presented about the deceased Alexander Stepanovich Bugayov, DrSci Phys&Math, professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences since 1994 in the Department of Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Automation, full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences since 2000 in the Department of Nanotechnology and Information Technology (Section of Computing, Location, Telecommunication Systems and Element Base), founder of the Department of Solid-state Electronics and Radiophysics of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Head of the Department of Vacuum Electronics and At the same time, he is the scientific director of the MIPT Center for Open Systems and High Technologies, Head of the Laboratory of Wave Electronics of the V.A. Kotelnikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Deputy Director of the State Research Institute of Electronic and Ion Optics, Chief Researcher of the Department of Scientific and Innovative Activities of the South Ural State University. Professor of the Computer Engineering Department of the Higher School of Economics, Professor of the St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation, an outstanding specialist in the field of condensed matter physics, semiconductor physics, acoustic and spin-wave electronics, computer science and mathematical modeling of semiconductor and solid-state information processing devices. The main biographical data are given: studies at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (Faculty of Physical and Quantum Electronics), postgraduate studies and work at MIPT, defense of a PhD (physical and mathematical sciences) dissertation, authorship of more than 250 scientific papers in scientific journals, participation in Russian and international conferences and seminars, editorial work in scientific journals. Work as a member of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, membership in various Russian and international scientific societies and expert councils.

Teaching intellectual property law today: testing the relevance of the “problem-based learning” method

ABSTRACT How should intellectual property (IP) law be taught today? This is an important question due to the growth of IP as an academic subject over the past decades, reflecting its increasingly interdisciplinary reach and need to deal with novel questions of law. It will be argued that, while always applicable, the skills of interdisciplinarity, creative thinking, ethical awareness and ability to deal with uncertainty in law have become even more relevant for current students of IP. This article draws on pedagogical literature from law and other disciplines to argue that problem-based learning (PBL) is theoretically an effective method of teaching that can develop these skills. It concludes with a case study of a PBL session during a Master’s course to identify some of the challenges of PBL in practice and how these can be addressed in the future. This case study contributes to existing literature on PBL in law by focusing on postgraduate study and using a problem drawn from real-life current events.

Oneiros: The Sports Club: navigating the growth path

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will be able to analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with business expansion in any business, assess the significance of leveraging existing strengths versus exploring new markets for organizational growth, evaluate the implications of regional consolidation versus national expansion strategies, develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills in a competitive business landscape and understand the nuances of market dynamics, brand recognition and operational challenges in diverse geographical regions. Case overview/synopsis Oneiros – The Sports Club stood poised at a pivotal juncture, grappling with a strategic quandary that encapsulates the divergent visions of its leadership. The narrative unfolded in Surat, a vibrant city in the state of Gujarat where contrasting viewpoints champion the familiar stability of local success against the lure of uncharted state and national territories. Ms Hemali Shah advocated for consolidating the club’s triumphs in Gujarat, emphasizing on the parameters of brand loyalty and operational mastery. In stark contrast, Mr Robin Patel envisioned a bold expansion strategy across the state, aiming for brand recognition and a paradigm shift to regional prominence. Caught amidst these competing visions, Mr Sumit Lathia who was aspiring for the club’s national presence navigated the complexities of market dynamics and business model, oscillating between preserving familiarity and embracing the allure of ambition. This case study highlights the nuanced strategic dilemmas faced by Oneiros, offering a captivating exploration of growth strategies in a competitive landscape. With insights from various perspectives within the organization, this case study navigates the complexities of growth, market dynamics and the balance between familiarity and ambition. This case study offers valuable insights and practical applications for students pursuing regular Master of Business Administration (MBA) and executive MBA programs, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate studies in entrepreneurship and strategic management. By examining the strategic decisions and operational challenges faced by Lathia and Oneiros – The Sports Club, students can gain a deeper understanding of key concepts such as public–private partnerships, market expansion strategies, customer segmentation and revenue diversification. Complexity academic level This case study is positioned within the decision-making or business development modules of the curriculum. It serves as a platform to apply theoretical concepts of strategic decision-making, market analysis and growth strategies to a real-world scenario. This case study prompts students to critically evaluate expansion dilemmas and devise strategic solutions. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code Strategy.

Valery Aleksandrovich Chereshnev – organizer of the immunological service in the Western Urals

The article is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Valery Aleksandrovich Chereshnev, a Russian scientist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, known for his works in the field of immunology and pathophysiology. V.A. Chereshnev began his career at Perm State Medical Institute, where he continued his postgraduate studies after graduating with honors. In 1970, he defended his PhD thesis on the topic “On the role of the properties of microbial cells and macroorganisms in the mechanism of development of an early phagocytic reaction to the introduction of typhoid vaccine”. In 1982, he defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic “Closed chest injury in combination with gamma irradiation (clinic, pathogenesis, treatment, medical protection).” He worked as a lecturer and professor in various educational institutions, and also headed scientific laboratories. In 1988, he became the director of the Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and then organized a branch in Yekaterinburg, which was later transformed into the Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where he also became the director. Valery Aleksandrovich was elected a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Committee on Science and High Technologies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In addition, he was elected President of the Russian Scientific Society of Immunologists, organized the Society of Immunologists of the Urals. Currently he is actively developing immunological services in the Western Urals.

What does the Ideal Postgraduate Micro-Credential Look Like?

Micro-credentials have been widely adopted in tertiary education to provide a means of recognising new types of study, typically focusing on specialist topics with an applied focus. Although they are primarily designed as standalone certifications, they are increasingly playing a role within larger programmes of study, either as additional learning opportunities or integrated through the stacking of credits. In postgraduate study, micro-credentials can support specialisation and differentiation within higher degrees such as master’s programmes. However, the design of these micro-credentials varies widely in terms of focus areas, stacking options, number of credits, and time taken to complete. This article reports on an interview study of postgraduate students at a New Zealand institution who have completed at least one micro-credential as part of their learning journey in order to identify the ideal characteristics of a postgraduate micro-credential from the students’ perspectives. The results suggest that the legitimacy of accreditation is valued, as is stackability, and the length should be between ten and twelve weeks for a 15 credit micro-credential. However, equally important is the way the learning is designed, with flexibility of learning, opportunities for collaboration, and a high level of critical thinking valued by the interviewees.